THE New Forest village which could have a huge container port built in its backyard last night renewed its battle to save Dibden Bay from development.

More than 100 people packed into Marchwood Village Hall to hear warnings from New Forest East MP Julian Lewis and other leading campaigners of the impact a new terminal would have on Marchwood.

Dr Lewis also strongly disputed the need for the terminal planned between Marchwood and Hythe on the grounds that there are other ports where a big new dock would be welcomed.

He also expressed the fear that if docklands moved to Marchwood, areas of Southampton Docks would be developed for other purposes.

Paul Vickers, chairman of the action group Residents Against Dibden Bay Port, referred to the impact of the increased road and rail traffic and said: "This is a major topic for Marchwood because you are in the firing line."

With the transport issues continuing to be discussed at the inquiry from Tuesdays to Fridays in the next fortnight, he urged: "If you ever considered going to the inquiry, now is the time to go."

Marchwood's New Forest District councillor Nick Smith pointed out that several local speakers will be voicing their objections to the inquiry on June 26.

But he expressed dissatisfaction at evidence given so far by docks operator Associated British Ports, which is planning to build the terminal.

Councillor Smith suggested that the view given to the inquiry was that "although there will be more lorries, more cars and more people about, there will be fewer accidents."

He said: "We have to realise that ABP will do nothing to help the residents of Marchwood. They are only improving the junctions to help lorry flow. They are only widening pavements when we demand it and the only option we have is to stop them."

Mr Vickers made a rallying call for people to send in a flood of objections when the inquiry nears its end and for a massive attendance on the final day.

He also pointed out that RADP had raised or had pledges amounting to £90,000 of the £100,000 needed to see it through to the end of the inquiry and appealed for continued support, pointing out that the volunteers fighting the scheme had done their work for nothing.